One of the most important natural resources involved in farming is the
             soil. When we hear about the soil,' most of us usually think of the
             ground or of the dirt we track onto our mother's floor, or our soiled
             clothing that we need to wash. But the soil is so much more than that!
             When farming, a farmer must be sure that the soil he or she is using
             is rich enough to grow the crops he wishes to sell, later on, in the
             marketplace. The soil must have enough minerals in it, and be properly
             watered so that the farmer's crops can grow. The farmer's soil in the
             fields must be sheltered from enough sunlight so that the soil does not get
             too dry, but have enough sun so that crops that need a great deal of sun
             One way to make sure that the soil gets enough minerals so that it can
             grow crops is to fertilize it. There are many ways to fertilize the soil.
             One way is through chemical fertilizers. Other farmers like to use natural
             fertilizers, such as using the manure of the animals on the farm.
             Fertilizing the soil without chemicals is called organic farming.
             Organically grown crops are more popular today because many people think
             they are healthier. However, you may notice when you go to your local
             supermarket that organic foods are also more expensive!
             When you down look at the soil, you might describe it as dark and
             ugly, even funny smelling. However, our state of Pennsylvania would not be
             as rich or as interesting as it is, if it were not for what we think of as
             just dirt.' Without dirt, the horses and livestock on the farms would not
             be able to graze and grow. Without dirt, we would not be able to produce
             the crops that allow farmers to make a living. The soil even creates jobs,
             not just on the farms, but for people who make their living as horseback
             riding instructors, grocery store managers, and flower and produce store
             ...